Gift Shop

Holy Cards & Medals

Holy cards and medals are handed out at parish missions, religious-education classes, hospital visits and street evangelization. They are also tucked into First Communion and Confirmation gifts. The medals here are made in Italy in zinc alloy with a silver finish, in sizes from a 3/4 in St. Benedict medal to a 1.75 in Miraculous Medal, sold in packs of 25 or 50 with jump rings attached. The laminated holy cards come 54 to a box, three each of 18 images.

A religious-education director should match the pack size to the class: a 25-pack of 1 in Miraculous Medals covers a typical First Communion group, and the 50-pack of extra-large medals suits a festival or evangelization table. St. Benedict medals in 3/4 in attach to rosaries and keychains; the 1-1/8 in size reads as a pendant. The 54-card assortment stocks a ministry basket with a range of saints and prayers.

5 holy cards & medals

Each pack below is listed with the count, medal or card size, material and country of origin.

Side by side

The specifications the makers publish, in one table.

Questions before you order

How many medals should a parish order for a class?

Order one medal per child plus a few spares for siblings, catechists and late enrollments. A pack of 25 covers most First Communion or Confirmation classes; larger parishes combine two packs or choose the 50-pack of 1.75 in Miraculous Medals.

Do bulk medals come with chains or cords?

No. Each medal has a jump ring attached so it can be hung on a chain, cord or rosary, but chains are not included. Parishes often pair medals with inexpensive cords or clip them to rosaries before distribution.

Which St. Benedict medal size is right?

The 3/4 in medal is about the size of a dime and suits rosaries, bracelets and keychains. The 1-1/8 in medal is easier to read and wears as a pendant. It is the usual choice for sponsors, men's groups and adult gifts.

Should the medals and cards be blessed before distribution?

Sacramentals such as medals and scapulars are usually blessed by a priest or deacon before they are given out. Hand the whole pack to the celebrant for a blessing after Mass or at the class, then distribute. Holy cards may be blessed in the same way.